Interdisciplinary research funding – 2026 call details
16 Dec 2025
Pump-priming funding for internal projects launches on Monday, 12 January – event details and how to apply.
The University Research Committee will open its call for pump-priming funding aimed at internal interdisciplinary research projects on Monday, 12 January 2026.
In line with the University’s ambition to accelerate the path from research excellence to impact and be known for outstanding interdisciplinary research, the funding call is for interdisciplinary research projects which are aligned to one of the priority areas of the four research platforms.
You can find out more at the call launch, at Nancy Rothwell Building (Blended Theatre 1 GA.056) on Monday, 12 January, 3.20-4.30pm.
Register your attendance at:
How to apply
The funding call deadline is 4pm on Friday, 27 February 2026.
Applications are invited under four areas:
Creative Manchester
Visit: Creative Manchester
Director John McAuliffe and Deputy-Director Constance Smith invite applications on the challenge themes:
- Creative Industries and Innovation/CreaTech
- Creative and Civic Futures
- Creativity, Health and Wellbeing
Digital Futures
Visit: Digital Futures
Director Richard Kingston invites applications on the challenge themes:
- Digital Health
- Digital Cultures
- Digital Economy
- Digital Society
- Digital Worlds
- Digital Skills
- AI@Manchester
Sustainable Futures
Visit: Sustainable Futures
Co-Directors Helen Holmes and Alice Larkin invite applications on the challenge themes:
Healthier Futures
Visit: Healthier Futures
Director Nicola Cullum invites applications on the challenge themes:
Further information
While applications which relate to two or more themes are welcome, they will not be prioritised over those which sit within one theme.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their proposal with the Director/s of the primary theme for their application to ensure that their proposal aligns with the priority areas of the challenge theme.
Please note that the pump-priming call is competitive and more applications are received than can be funded. In 2026, we expect to make between six and ten awards.
Preference will be given to applications led by non-professorial staff or staff recently appointed or promoted to professor (in last two to three years).
For more details, visit:
Call deadline: 4pm, 27 February 2026.
Some inspiration...
For inspiration, visit: